Hwang Hee-chan (27, Wolverhampton) is enjoying a 'career-high' season and his stock is soaring. This is because he has been receiving offers from bigger clubs, and his club Wolverhampton has also pulled out the re-signing card. Hwang is in a "state of blissful indecision" over his future, as he weighs his options.

Sports media outlet The Athletic reported on the 19th (KST), "Wolverhampton are in talks with Hwang over a new contract. It is understood that negotiations are progressing positively." "Hwang is happy to play under Gary O'Neill. The club is likely to offer Hwang an improved contract as a reward for his recent performances. If the terms are right, we can expect him to extend his contract."

The Athletic had previously highlighted Hwang's potential re-signing in a report on the EPL clubs' squad contracts for next season. "Hwang, who started the new season with a scary goal-scoring performance, has two years left on his contract at the end of this season. If official discussions don't start soon, we could be in for a surprise." For Wolverhampton, the club has moved quickly to set up a negotiating table to avoid any 'surprises'.

Hwang signed a five-year contract when he joined Wolverhampton from Leipzig in the summer of 2021. The contract runs until June 2026. With two years and seven months left on his contract, it's unusual to see the possibility of an extension being raised. It's a sign that Wolverhampton are keen to keep Hwang around for a while longer.

English professional soccer Premier League (EPL) Wolverhampton's Hwang Hee-chan celebrates after scoring the league's second goal against Crystal Palace during the EPL fourth round match of the 2023-2024 season at Selhurst Park in London, England, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2018. Hwang Hee-chan scored the equalizer with a header in the 20th minute of the match, but his team lost 2-3 to Palace. Reuters

There's a reason for that. Hwang has appeared in 12 English Premier League (EPL) games this season (nine starts) and has a whopping six goals and two assists. His six goals are not only tops on the team, but also tied for sixth in the EPL. Hwang's presence on the team is even more important, as the next highest scorer on the team is two goals behind him. He is also tied for first in offensive points (8) with Paulo Neto (1 goal, 7 assists).

Many of his goals have come at crucial moments. He scored the game-winning goal against Manchester City, a game in which Pep Guardiola referred to him as "The Korean Guy" before the game. He scored valuable goals against Liverpool and Aston Villa, and crucial equalizers against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United. For his performances, Hwang was nominated for the Wolverhampton Player of the Month award in both September and October. He finished second in September and first in October, solidifying his position as Wolverhampton's best player. === His performance is even more impressive when you drill down into the metrics. Hwang only has six shots on goal this season. All of his shots have been on goal. His goal conversion rate is also the highest in the EPL. His goals are also very evenly distributed, with two from headers and two each from his left and right feet. In addition to his breakaway ability, he is now a decisive striker.

He is already enjoying a career-high season. Previously, Hwang's most league goals in a single season in a big European league were five in his first season with Wolverhampton in 2021-22. This season, he's already surpassed that mark with six goals and is on track for his first double-digit EPL goal total. At this rate, he could break the record for most league goals in a single season since moving to Europe. Hwang's previous record was set in 2016-17, when he scored 12 goals for Salzburg in Austria.

His place in the team has been cemented, especially as he continues to thrill the home fans. Hwang has scored in six consecutive home games, starting with the final home game of last season. It was the first time in Wolverhampton's history since the club was founded in 1877. It's no surprise that he's become a fixture at the Molineux Stadium, where he's always given home fans a treat. That's why Wolverhampton want to keep him around for a while longer.

With so many clubs interested in the player and the possibility of a new contract, Hwang is weighing his options. In fact, last summer, Hwang received interest from Tottenham and AS Roma. At the time, Wolverhampton's financial problems raised the possibility of a move, but Hwang chose to stay with Wolverhampton first. Regardless of the transfer speculation, it was reported that then-manager Julen Lopetegui was against the move.

Now that he's been on a hot streak since the start of the new season, there will naturally be more teams keeping an eye on him. His versatility on the flanks, in all areas of the second line, and up front, along with his speed and penetration, and his goalscoring prowess this season, should make him a mouthwatering prospect for even stronger teams than Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton were quick to put a new contract on the table, which may explain why they were so keen to pre-empt any interest from other clubs. == The choice is now up to Hwang Hee-chan. He has a lot to think about, not only with his current team, but also with other clubs that are interested in him. He was born in 1996 and is entering the prime of his career as a striker.

Throughout his career, Hwang's priority has been to ensure that he gets regular playing time. Add to that the fact that Wolverhampton's objective strength of character means that playing on a bigger stage, such as in the UEFA club competitions, is now an important criteria. Hwang's last UEFA club competition appearance was in the 2020-21 season, when he played in the UEFA Champions League with Leipzig.

It's also time to start thinking about money, which hasn't been a major factor for Hwang. According to Capologie, Hwang's current weekly salary is estimated at £30,000 (approximately $45,000). That's mid-table in the team, and far short of what players earn at big clubs. Wolverhampton will be able to offer him a better deal during contract negotiations, but it's unlikely to be much of an increase, as the highest paid player on the team is Pablo Sarabia, who earns just £90,000 (about $146,000). If Hwang is guaranteed the playing time he wants and the terms of his contract are much better, he may choose a new challenge.

If he decides to move on and doesn't re-sign with Wolverhampton, the transfer speculation surrounding his future will heat up. If Wolverhampton find it difficult to keep Hwang Hee-chan, they will have no choice but to offer him a high transfer fee. The club is struggling financially, so it is possible that they will allow the player to leave rather than keep him for a higher price. The closer Hwang gets to the end of his contract, the lower his transfer fee will be, so if Wolverhampton decide they can't afford to keep him, they may be quicker to move on.

Meanwhile, Hwang is currently with the national team as they prepare for the second round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. He scored a header in the first leg against Singapore to help his side to a 5-0 win. He has continued his goal-scoring form in recent A matches, scoring in two consecutive games. Hwang will look to extend his goal streak to three games against China at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center at 9 p.m. on June 21.